Viola and violin shoulder rest pad



July 23, 1940'. H. WEINBERG VIOLA AND VIOLIN SHOULDER REST PAD Filed Dec. 5, 1959 INVFNTOR.

Patented July 23, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT' oFFicE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in protective padding particularly to that type used by concert violinists to protect their shoulder muscles from becoming fatigued,

5 due to long and arduous playing over a long time, and to permit the violin or such similar musical instrument to rest properly in the proper position on the shoulder. It has heretofore been the practice of violinists to protect the shoulder lo muscles with such awkward padding as handkerchiefs, etc. This was found unsatisfactory due to the shifting of such pad from its initial placement. Certain pads were also made with attachments like rubber bands, or straps, or even adl5 hesives, which were and are still found to be unsatisfactory from the players standpoint.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a pad shaped to t the contour of the shoulder muscles, and the said pad may be securely fastened to the violin in any advantageous position, depending upon the wish and desire of the player.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pad of the type described which may be readily adjusted as to height with regards to the instrument used and the shoulder upon which it may rest.

While another object of this invention isV to provide a pad of the type described, having a flexible connection between the said pad and a novel fastening device. These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the illustrations of the drawing accompanying these specifications of which:

Figure l is a View perspective of a pad made in accordance with my invention shown in its operative position with respect to the violin and player. The violin is shown in phantom or dotted lines to better illustrate the invention. This would also apply if the instrument were a viola.

Figure 2 is a view perspective of a pad made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3--3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view similar to Figure 3 showing a modified form of construction.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional View similar to Figure 3, showing a still further modied construction.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing, the reference numeral I0 designates a pad of soft pliable rubber, the underside II of which is formed or moulded to snugly fit the shoulder of the operator of the musical instrument, the violinist in this instance. The

upper side I2 is formed fiat having a metallic fitting I3 embedded in the pad Id, as shown, and pivotally receives a ball point connection I4 of a shaft I5 which is threadedly engaged in the metallic insert i 6 of a gum rubber suction cup mem- 5 ber I'I, as shown clearly in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawing. In Figure 4 I have shown a pad II) identical in detail to that shown in Figures 2 and 3, providing a means of adjustment as regards the height of the suction cup II with respect to 10 the flat upper side I2 of the pad. This is accomplished by providing in the fitting i3 screw threads I 8 to receive therein the thread shank I9 which is iiXedly secured to the underside of the suction cup Il, locking nuts 2li are provided on l5 shank I9 to lock said shank after the desired adjustment has been decided upon by the operator of the musical instrument, the violinist in this instance.

In Figure 5 I have shown a modification of the present invention in which the suction cup Il is by screw threads aiiixed to the pad by a short shank 2I. In this modiiication the cup is not vertically adjustable with respect to the pad I0. In using the invention the pad is placed on the 25 shoulder in a decided position for playing, the violin or Viola is placed in an advantageous playing position by the player, the violin or viola is then forced down on the suction cup Ii' rmly grasping the underside of the violin as shown in 30 all the figures of the drawing, particularly in Figure 1 thereof.

The present invention has been found very effective in use and when a desired sitting has been decided upon the violin or viola may be 5 placed in a case without disturbing the pad and its adjustment on the violin.

While I have shown and described preferred embodiments of my invention, it is understood that I am not limited thereto, except within the scope of the annexed claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is as follows:

1. A protective pad adapted to serve as a cushion between musical instruments, such as a violin, and the shoulder of the player of the musical instrument, a suction cup adapted to be aiiixed to the underside of the musical instrument, means for joining said suction cup to said protective pad, and said means including a screw-threaded stud cooperable with a nut-like member whereby said means is vertically adjustable.

2. A protective pad adapted to serve as a cushion between musical instruments, such as a violin, and the shoulder of the player of the musical 55 instrument, a suction cup adapted to be aixed to the underside of the musical instrument, means for joining said suction cup to said protective pad, said means including a screw-threaded stud cooperable with a nut-like member whereby said means is vertically adjustable, and said means including a pivotal connection between said suction cup and said pad.

3. A protective pad adapted to serve as a cush- 10 ion between musical instruments, such as a violin, 

